Batting

SAN JOSE, Calif. – A strong start by freshman Andrew Vasquez and Jeremy Peterson pitched a solid 2.1 final innings on Saturday as the UC Santa Barbara baseball team won for the third time in four games, knocking off San Jose State, 3-2.

The victory gave the Gauchos the series victory, the first time UCSB has won a season series over San Jose State since 2005. The teams have met nearly every year for a series over the past decade.

Vasquez, making his second Division 1 start, allowed just four hits and one earned run in his 6.0 innings, striking out seven. It gave Vasquez (1-0) his first collegiate victory. The win evened up UCSB's overall record at 3-3.

Peterson, the senior right-hander, grabbed his first Division 1 save with his 2.1 innings. The 6-foot-6 native of San Diego struck out four batters and allowed just two hits in his work on the mound.

The Gauchos struck first by scoring a pair of runs with two outs in the third. After a pair of groundouts opened the innings, Brett Vertigan doubled down the right field line and Lance Roenicke followed with a double of his own. Brandon Trinkwon followed with another double – one of four by UCSB – to give UCSB a 2-0 lead.

San Jose State scratched out a run in the bottom of the inning on a fielding error.

Joe Winterburn's RBI double in the sixth inning brought around Marc Venning, who walked, and gave the Gauchos the insurance run they would need.

Andre Mercurio singled in a run off relief pitcher Greg Mahle in the bottom of the seventh, but rightfielder Joey Wallace threw out Kyle Gallegos trying to score from second to keep the Gauchos ahead, 3-2.

Peterson relieved Mahle and walked a batter before striking out Zach Jones looking. In the eighth, the Spartans threatened with runners on first and second with two outs, but Peterson struck out Mike Aldrete to end the inning and give UCSB the win.

The Gauchos and Spartans finish their series on Sunday at 1 p.m. and then play at Fresno State with a 6 p.m. game on Tuesday night. That game will be broadcast live online – click here to listen.

UCSB returns home for a three-game series vs. Loyola Marymount starting next Friday at 2 p.m. Get your tickets by clicking here or calling 893-UCSB.